Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots: 3 rookies to watch in NFL Week 2 battle

Can Jerod Mayo and the New England Patriots (1-0) start the 2024 NFL season at 2-0?  If they do, they will need to do it against another rookie coach coming off his first NFL victory in Mike Mcdonald as the Seattle Seahawks (1-0) fly into Foxborough for a Week 2 inter-conference battle.

Both teams were impressive defensively in Week 1, particularly the Patriots who limited Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals to just 10 points in an impressive victory in Cincinnati.  With the victory, the Patriots did get key contributors from a couple of players from their 2024 NFL Draft class as both rookie offensive lineman Layden Robinson and Caedan Wallace played key roles in New England’s run game as Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 120 yards in the Week 1 victory.

As for the Seahawks rookies, defensive tackle Byron Murphy II made an impact in Seattle’s win over the Broncos.  In playing 40 snaps, the talented defender out of the University of Texas did make his presence known with two QB pressures, two hurries and a tackle in the game.  To help stop the Patriots from attacking with the run Murphy will play a vital role in this Week 2 matchup.

Seahawks rookies to watch: Byron Murphy vs Patriots offensive line

The Patriots offensive line did okay against the Bengals defense.  Jacoby Brissett was able to make some plays with his feet, but he did take some hits as the left side of the line still needs some work.  Going up against a Seahawks front that includes Leonard Williams, the Patriots will have to account for Murphy, who has the power, balance, and versatility to stuff the run and collapse the pocket up the middle.  This could be a big game for the Seahawks rookie defender.

Patriots rookies to watch: Can Ja’lynn Polk and Javon Baker deliver in Week 2?

The question is more will they produce.  The Patriots’ offense will still lean heavy on Stevenson and the running game, but if the Seahawks control the line, Brissett getting the ball out quick will be the key to the game.  That means the Patriots tight ends and receivers, particularly rookie receiver Ja’lynn Polk will need to get open and battle for catches.  Polk was somewhat quiet in this rookie debut, but the big receiver who played his college ball in the state of Washington will need to make a statement against the Seahawks, which will remind Seattle fans of his days with the Washington Huskies.

While Polk should see snaps and targets, the unknown is fourth-round pick Javon Baker who was inactive vs the Bengals.  If he is active this game, he will provide a deep threat option for Brissett.  Along with Tyquan Thornton, Baker has the speed to get behind the secondary and if he plays he will need to make a play or two to keep a Seahawks secondary led by 2023 first-round pick Devon Witherspoon on their heels.

Seahawks vs. Patriots odds, moneyline, over/under, player injuries

Coming off a 26-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 1, the Seahawks are favorites riding into Foxboro per Draftkings.  Can the Patriots pull off the upset at home?  Both teams will look to run the ball and control the game on defense.  The team that makes less mistakes in this game will be the team that comes out on top.

Spead: Seahawks (-3)

Moneyline: Patriots (+140); Seahawks (-166)

Over/Under: 38.5

Key injuries:

• Seahawks: LB Uchenna Nwosu (out), TE Pharaoh Brown (out); RB Kenneth Walker III (doubtful), T George Fant (doubtful), LB Jerome Baker (questionable)

• Patriots: G Sidy Sow (Out); S Kyle Dugger (questionable), RB  JaMyal Hasty (questionalble), G Layden Robinson (questionable), DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (questionable)

Seahawks vs Patriots gameday rookie predictions

Overall, the Patriots will get a hard-fought victory at home beating the Seahawks 23-17.  In this game, Murphy will record his first NFL career sack, but the rookie of the game will be Polk who will have 5 catches for over 80 yards and a touchdown in a performance that gets Patriots fans hype for the rookies’ future in New England.  If active, expect a big play in the passing game from Baker as well to help ignite the Patriots’ offense that will have a nice balance in this NFL Week 2 matchup.